Miguel Rodriguez, director of community standards & student advocacy at Daemen, was honored during the Buffalo Business First 2026 Impact Awards on February 12. 
Rodriguez and 19 other professionals across the region, selected from close to 80 nominations, were recognized for their dedication to inclusion and belonging in their workplaces and community.
“Winning this award is deeply meaningful to me,” Rodriguez said. “Advancing inclusion and championing belonging as core values shape the importance of intentionally creating spaces where every voice is heard, respected, and valued, and where people feel seen for their authentic selves.”
“We are incredibly proud of Miguel for being recognized by Buffalo Business First’s Impact Awards,” said Dr. Kerry Spicer, vice president for student affairs. “This award has a legacy of excellence here at Daemen, and Miguel continues to reflect that work. Congratulations, Miguel!”
Several current and former Daemen employees have been honored with Buffalo Business First awards: the late Adriane Williams (2025), Lamark Shaw (2024), Lindsay R. Masters (2023), Yolanda Morris (2022), and Tiffany Hamilton (2021).